X CLOSE

Focus and attention

A joyful athlete wearing a gold medal holds his hands to his cheeks standing in front of an Olympic rings background.

Goals and motivation

idea

Here’s how to use your imagination to prepare for any task

From sport to public speaking, the link between mental imagery and actual performance is undeniable – and you can harness it

by Jonathan Rhodes

Close-up photo of a blue eye with detailed lashes and skin texture visible.

Mind and brain

idea

The pupil of the eye opens a remarkable window into the mind

From mental effort to the content of a person’s imagination, these tiny apertures reveal far more than you might realise

by Christoph Strauch

Photo of a person driving at night with dashboard lights on and a road visible ahead through the car windscreen.

Technology and media

idea

The reason that even hands-free calls are risky for drivers

Cars are filled with ever more communication and entertainment tech, but our minds are stuck with the same limitations

by Robert Rosenberger

Illustration of the solar system with planets in order of distance from the Sun on a dark background.

Learning and education

idea

The ‘secret strategy’ that could boost your ability to learn

It may sound illogical, but growing evidence shows the benefits of testing yourself before you start learning new material

by Ajdina Halilovic

Abstract painting of a vibrant landscape with trees, buildings, and a river in bold geometric shapes and colours.

Creativity

idea

A key part of creativity is picking up on what others overlook

We all constantly filter a flood of details coming in. This process helps explain what gives some brains a creative edge

by Madeleine Gross

Photo of a cafe interior with a person working on a laptop by a window, open door and street view with bicycle outside.

Goals and motivation

idea

How temptation works, and why it nearly stopped me writing this

Temptation can be sneaky – a rationalising voice that subtly undermines your resolve. But there are ways to outsmart it

by John Schwenkler

Photo of a person in a red jumper with crossed arms sitting at a wooden table with a red wallet on it.

Technology and media

idea

A psychologist’s tips for getting a grip on your social media use

Is social media causing you problems? Here are some personal and practical ways to reap its benefits with fewer drawbacks

by Daria J Kuss

Photo of a rainy motorway with heavy traffic and a sign warning of a stranded vehicle, speed limit 40 mph.

Decision-making

idea

Why small annoyances can harm us more than big disruptions

A largely forgotten psychological concept helps explain the insidiousness of minor problems – and what to do about it

by Shayla Love

Photo of a kitchen counter with decor, plastic cat, clock and bottles reflected on a glass surface with coffee brewing.

Habits and routines

idea

Is it better to live in ‘clock time’ or ‘event time’?

Do you stick to a set schedule, or have a looser relationship to the clock? It can affect more than how you plan your day

by Shayla Love

Photo of a large crowd of people walking, with many faces blurred, suggesting movement in an urban setting.

Mind and brain

idea

What is it like to remember all the faces you’ve ever seen?

They’ve been studied by researchers and recruited by police forces, but what’s it actually like to be a super-recogniser?

by Shayla Love

Photo of a desk with a laptop, fan, and sleeping cat. Craft supplies, pens and paper are scattered on the wooden surface.

Goals and motivation

idea

Facing a tedious to-do list? This trick could make it easier

The ‘easy addendum effect’: how careful timing of your easier tasks could help you feel better at the end of the day

by Shayla Love

Photo of children in a classroom interacting with a teacher, sitting at a table with a board game.

Learning and education

idea

This is how to nurture curiosity in children (and yourself)

The curiosity that comes naturally to babies and young children can soon wilt – but there are ways to help it grow

by Shayla Love